Second Report · 131999.982632.1

Town Planning Department’s Reports 16/7/1999 - Ordinary Meeting 29/7/1999 18

With regard to the stairwell to the roof top terrace, the applicant has presented an option of
circular external stairs which would fully comply with section 5.3.1.5 of the Planning Scheme
being the relevant clause for roof top terraces on duplexes. However he is seeking Council’s
reconsideration of this matter and in particular a modification to this section of the Planning
Scheme in accordance with the modification provisions of section 5.3.2. The applicant
believes the external circular stair compromises the integrity of the design and is more
visually prominent. He also believes these circular stairs present a safety concern for elderly
residents.

The applicant took issue with suggestions within the Planning Report that the proposed stairs
would eventually become fully enclosed to weather proof the stairwell adding both bulk and
height to the building. The applicant says this is not the intention and there are design
measures to ensure these internal stairs remained drained. However as a means of
demonstrating that there is no intention to fully enclose the stairs, he has modified the plan of
the stairwell by turning the stair 90 degrees and enclosing the lower flight of the stair to the
roof top with an angled roof and glazed walls and surrounding the entire flight with open
external louvres. This ensures safe drainage of the top most flight with the landing open on
two sides and the two flights open on one. The waterproofing technique for the slab is no
different for the flight than for the trafficable roof top.

The applicant suggests this solution is far less visually intrusive to neighbours and it addresses
Council’s concerns about exposing the stairwell to the elements of nature. It also does so
without adding height or bulk to the building.

Conclusion

The applicant has presented one option for a roof top terrace which meets the requirements of
section 5.3.1.5 of the Scheme, however seeks modification to allow for a more preferred
option. His preferred roof top terrace would not appear to have any adverse impact on the
amenity of the neighbourhood. It will be relatively unobtrusive and while the stairs are semi
enclosed these enclosures do not exceed the 8 metre height limit. This representation is
supported and a negotiated decision notice, with an amendments to the: conditions is
recommended.

SMP c:\prod\word\doc\finalrep\99-07-16-ppa.doc 16/07/99